Which term describes the legal consequences of knowingly representing false information?

The term that describes the legal consequences of knowingly representing false information is fraud. Fraud involves intentional deception to secure unfair or unlawful gain, which is typically more serious than mere misrepresentation. While misrepresentation encompasses knowingly providing false information, it does not always carry the same legal weight or implications as fraud, which specifically indicates an intention to deceive for personal gain.

Misrepresentation can refer to a false statement that leads someone to enter into a contract, but it does not necessarily imply a fraudulent intent, which is a critical element in distinguishing fraud from misrepresentation. Negligence involves a failure to exercise reasonable care leading to harm, while injury solely refers to the damage or harm suffered. Therefore, fraud clearly encapsulates the idea of knowingly misrepresenting information with the intent to deceive, defining its legal repercussions effectively.